Montana Lawmakers Seek More Control Over Parole Board

The Montana Legislature would assume more authority over the state's seven-member parole board under proposed legislation.

Democratic Rep. Jenny Eck of Helena introduced the bill to the House Judiciary Committee Friday.

Eck says House Bill 135 provides for clear legislative authority over the state Board of Pardons and Parole when it comes to parole eligibility criteria.

The measure came out of an interim committee formed after inmates complained the board's decisions were too strict.

Next week lawmakers are scheduled to hear a bill that would give the governor power to grant clemency even if the board recommends against it.

The parole board has drawn increased scrutiny since Gov. Steve Bullock supported commuting the life sentence of convicted murderer Barry Beach, but the board declined to forward a clemency recommendation.